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This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of policing whilst developing essential academic writing skills for their policing degree. Students will explore the diverse roles and responsibilities within the UK police service and examine the crucial supporting functions of partner law enforcement organisations, including the College of Policing. The module investigates core policing principles such as policing by consent, legitimacy, and the cultivation of public confidence. Students will also gain insight into the broader strategic context of policing and analyse current national policing strategies that shape modern law enforcement practices.
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Community policing and partnership working is an important aspect of policing. Understanding the core principles of ethics, equality, diversity and human rights is at the forefront of everything the police do, and this will be of significant importance in this module. Students will explore other key concepts, with particular focus on community engagement, developing community relations and the rationale for this, partnership working, and policing diverse communities. In addition to this, the legislation in relation to anti-social behaviour will be taught and how this affects communities.
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Building on the study being undertaken on the history of policing and policing communities, students will gain an insight into the basic concepts of criminology and explore contemporary methods of crime prevention. They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of varying policing models, reviewing some specific crime prevention initiatives. Students will go on to explore the concept of problem-oriented policing and use of the SARA model. They will understand specific problem-solving methodology, carry out research to identify and understand an emerging issue or problem, before applying the model in the form of an intervention into the problem.
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The relationship of the police with victims and witnesses is vital to any successful criminal justice outcomes. Building on the concept of ethical treatment of individuals and the key legislation, policies and guidance that relate to victims and witnesses, students will learn about the complexities of this area of policing and how to apply good practice to individuals through their own behaviours and attitudes. In addition, the requirement to protect vulnerable witnesses and victims will also be studied. Key to this module are communication skills. The fundamental elements of communication will be explored along with a range of associated theories and practices and their application in policing.
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This module looks into the wider functions of the criminal justice system (CJS). It will introduce the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Courts and sentencing. Associated legislation and procedures such as disclosure of relevant material will be taught. Considerations in relation to offenders, victims and witnesses, including the Victim’s Code will partnership collaboration with respect to offender rehabilitation, will be explored.
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Students will examine the fundamental principles and processes for conducting ethical and non-biased police investigations across a range of crime types. The module explores various evidence recovery methods from multiple sources including crime scenes, witness statements and interviews, all within the framework of the PACE Codes of Practice. Students will develop their understanding of legal powers relating to investigation and learn essential principles for securing and managing evidence effectively. The module also addresses the importance of reflective practice in developing investigative competence.
Professional Policing BA (Hons)
Undergraduate, Honours Degree, September 2025
Key Details
- L900 Course Code
- 3 Years
- 112 Typical UCAS Tariff
The BA Professional Policing degree is modular in structure, studied over a three-year period full time. The undergraduate degree offers a stimulating and challenging learning experience that allows you to develop an informed and practical understanding of professional policing. The course has a blend of theory and practice rooted in the principles and core requirements of policing.
The course provides a learning environment that supports you with the independent exploration of ideas, helping you to draw upon your own experience as a learner and, as potential police officers, to develop a passion for policing. You will have opportunities to develop skills in problem-solving, effective communication, negotiation and leadership. The course seeks to equip you for postgraduate study, professional training and graduate employment in the commercial sector as well as the public and third sector.
Successful graduates from this course will be eligible to apply to the Police Service. This course does not however guarantee entry or acceptance into the Police Service. You will still be required to apply to a police service through the normal recruitment process, this degree qualification does NOT give you automatic entry into the role of a police constable. It is also important to note that in respect of using this degree for recruitment into policing, it has a currency of 5 years following graduation. For further information about applying to the police service please visit the College of Policing website.
The course will cover a range of areas across your three years of study and an indicative list is provided below:
- Understanding the Police Constable Role
- Vulnerability and Risk
- Problem Solving
- Decision-making and Discretion
- Maintaining Professional Standards
- Research Methods and Skills
- Evidence-based Policing (including work-related learning)
- Digital Policing
- Criminal Justice Systems
- Criminology and Crime Prevention
- Counter Terrorism
- Policing Communities
- Information and Intelligence
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline and/or the requirements of the professional body.
Our aim is to provide you with an opportunity to experience authentic approaches to assessment to reflect the kinds of tasks you would undertake within and across the police service. Some of these assessments will be individual tasks and others in group work settings. The different methods of assessment may include:
- essays
- presentations
- portfolios
- case studies
- practical skills such as negotiation
- reflective journals
The assessment tasks are carefully selected to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills across a range of subject and skill areas and to have the best opportunity to demonstrate these effectively to succeed at all stages of your study. Tutors are on hand to provide guidance and support on the assessment process.
Successful graduates from this course will be eligible to apply to the Police Service. This course does not however guarantee entry or acceptance into the Police Service. You will still be required to apply to a police service through the normal recruitment process, this degree qualification does NOT give you automatic entry into the role of a police constable. It is also important to note that in respect of using this degree for recruitment into policing, it has a currency of 5 years following graduation. For further information about applying to the police service please visit the College of Policing website.
Every police service in England and Wales sets its own recruitment process and selection policy and entry requirements vary from service to service. You are advised to check your eligibility against the police service website, as this may assist you in deciding whether to undertake the BA (Hons) Professional Policing course.
Examples of careers that could be available to you upon graduation include but which may require additional training:
- Police Officers – specialist roles, gaining a promotion or joining up
- Police Community Support Officer
- Scenes of Crime Investigators
- Civilian Investigation Officers (CIOs)
- Police Intelligence
- Crime Analysts
- Communications Officers
- Command and Dispatch Roles
- Prosecution File Preparation Officers
- Human Resources
- Police Lawyer
- Control Room Operations Workers
We hope that you will leave having developed transferable skills that are highly valued by employers in a variety of work situations beyond the police service.
For those who wish to pursue a career as a Solicitor upon graduation then this course opens up the option to undertake The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
UK home students
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry:
- 112 UCAS points
Applying Direct Option
International students
If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.
International Applying Direct option
To apply for this course, you can apply direct using the apply link provided below:
Please note that courses with a professional placement are not available to International students.
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.
International students
The full-time course fees and funding, for International students, for September 2025 are:
- Undergraduate Taught: £12,500 tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship: £1,500
All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
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As a key component of policing and one that is prevalent in all aspects of policing, students will analyse the concept of evidence-based policing (EBP). They will explore the rationale, successes and constraints of EBP and learn how it is key to apply it in practice.
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This module will focus on the core policing functions and strategies relating to policing the roads. Students will gain an understanding of roads policing legislation and police powers – with a particular focus on the Road Traffic Act 1988. Police procedure will be discussed in relation to a range of roads policing investigations, including drink/drug offences and road traffic collisions. Students will have the opportunity to engage with roads policing officers to consolidate learning and apply to practical situations. Students will also evaluate how the roads can be effectively policed to disrupt criminal activity, reduce road traffic collisions and combat anti-social road use.
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Students will explore the necessity for maintaining professional standards in policing, and relevant governance and their roles and responsibilities. They will compare professional standards within the police service to similar professional organisations. Students will analyse how the police have developed policies and procedures to reduce the possibility of professional malpractice and increase community confidence; then review the progress being made within the police service to improve professional standards. Students will examine the role of discretion in the decision-making process and analyse the effect on bias on the decision-making process. Students will cover and apply the National Decision Model to given professional situations and demonstrate effective judgement and decision making.
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This module will cover some of the policies, legislation and powers that police constables will encounter on a regular basis. It will provide a comprehensive exploration of criminal legislation and police powers within the UK justice system. Students will examine key statutes governing police authority, including the theft act, PACE, investigatory powers, and public order legislation.
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This module will cover and review the overall scope of the response policing role and the types of incidents and crimes likely to be encountered in this area of operational policing. Leadership and team working are key to policing and, therefore, will be explored in this module, in particular, the importance of self-evaluation and the nature of effective teamwork. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of the police and joint interoperability between other attending emergency services at an incident. Various examples of high-profile critical incidents will be reviewed to establish best practise and development areas. Specific challenges faced by response officers will be examined in more complex response situations and contexts. This module will also examine the key social, political and strategic drivers impacting upon contemporary response policing and strategies involved in response policing to ensure they remain effective in an increasingly challenging environment, including the ethical use of stop and search powers and the impact on communities and trust and confidence in the police.
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This module will cover the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing, and the relevant legislation and guidance underpinning information and intelligence in policing. Students will understand the practical issues pertaining to the collection, retention and sharing of information and intelligence. Students will gain an understanding of how the use of information and intelligence which is held by other agencies can help and assist police operations. Data protection regulations will be covered and will be analysed to what impact they can have on professional policing. Issues will be explored that can arise when data management protocols are not adhered to. The rights of the individual will be reviewed in respect of information held about them. Students will further gain an understanding of securing and preserving digital evidence, from various sources and best evidence available.
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This module provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of particular interest through undertaking a small-scale research project supported by a member of staff from the subject area (or elsewhere) with appropriate specialist knowledge.
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This module explores the critical aspects of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) and Complex Investigations in modern policing. Students will examine how intelligence gathering techniques are applied in addressing SOC, gaining insight into the methodologies used by law enforcement agencies to combat sophisticated criminal networks. The module will delve into various forms of Serious and Organised Crime, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud. Students will critically analyse the far-reaching consequences of these crimes on individuals, families, businesses, and society at large. The module will also consider how certain individuals or groups may be particularly vulnerable to SOC and the mechanisms in place to protect them. Key legislation, concepts, and organisational structures relevant to Complex Investigations will be reviewed in detail. Students will gain an understanding of the legal framework that governs these investigations, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in navigating complex cases. The module will cover the different agencies involved in tackling SOC and how they collaborate, including entities such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCU). The function of key operations and strategies used in combating Serious and Organised Crime networks will be critically evaluated. This will include an examination of surveillance techniques, financial investigations, and international cooperation. Students will engage in critical discussions regarding the effectiveness of current strategies and explore potential innovations in the field.
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This module provides a comprehensive exploration of safety and wellbeing challenges facing modern policing professionals. Students will critically examine the psychological, physical, and digital aspects of officer wellbeing, developing practical strategies to maintain resilience in challenging operational environments. The module begins by examining how workplace experiences directly impact psychological wellbeing, emphasising the importance of reflective practice and self-care strategies that enable officers to effectively 'switch off' from work during personal time. Students will explore formal and informal support networks available to first responders and evaluate practical considerations in trauma support provision. Core content addresses the multifaceted nature of wellbeing, including physical safety considerations in high-risk environments such as roads policing. Particular attention is given to the psychological impacts of first response incidents and investigations, especially when working with vulnerable individuals. Students will develop skills in recognising signs of stress, compassion fatigue, and trauma in both themselves and colleagues, while learning effective interventions and coping strategies to foster resilience. The module examines organisational factors affecting wellbeing, including both positive and negative aspects of police culture and the principles of organisational justice. Students will evaluate how these factors influence individual officer experiences and overall team effectiveness. Digital wellbeing and security form another key component, with focus on managing personal digital hygiene, security risks to officers and their families, and ethical considerations regarding digital investigation practices. Through case studies, reflective exercises, and practical applications, students will develop a holistic understanding of the interconnected nature of wellbeing challenges in policing and acquire evidence-based strategies to maintain effectiveness while safeguarding their physical, psychological, and digital wellbeing throughout their careers.
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This module scans all areas of public protection policing, policy, research, theory and practice. Students will be introduced to the diverse and complex nature of public protection policing. Students will develop an understanding of the powers and legislation relating to contemporary and significant areas of practice including, but not limited to, child sexual exploitation, country lines, child criminal exploitation, modern slavery, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, sexual offences, honour and hate crime. Students will use this knowledge to critically explore complex situations. Students will understand the impact these offences have on the victim, their families, the wider community and the criminal justice system. The concept of multi-agency working will be a theme throughout this module, with reference to serious case reviews and the management of offenders.
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Critically examines a range of criminological theory, both historical and contemporary, that seeks to explain why young people commit crime. Evaluates current policy and legislation within the Youth Justice System, focusing on England and Wales.
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This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the historical, legal, social and cultural dimensions of sex and sexuality in the context of the criminal justice system. The module seeks to consider the ways in which concepts such as vulnerability, sexuality and gender operate in, often, exclusionary ways. In light of this, students will critically appraise the ways in which technology, sex(uality) and law intersect in this context. The module will also focus on how new technology has been weaponised against particular groups in the 21st Century – providing another medium for heteronormative assumptions about sex and sexuality and gender based violence to be realised. Considering a range of topics such as pornography, sexting and the age of sexual consent, students will draw on key theoretical concepts, to critically discuss the operation of the law in this area and the concept of ‘justice’.
Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.